Barry Keoghan, the Irish actor known for his roles in films like Saltburn, has recently found himself at the center of controversy following the deactivation of his Instagram account amid rumors of infidelity and his breakup with pop star Sabrina Carpenter. After celebrating his new singledom with confidence-boosting posts, the swift turn to shutting down his account has left fans and followers questioning what happened behind the scenes.
Last Friday, just days after Carpenter and Keoghan split after dating for about one year, the actor decided to deactivate his Instagram, presumably to avoid the public scrutiny accompanying his breakup. This decision came after he posted several seemingly provocative pictures, which many referred to as “thirst traps.” One showed him flexing his muscles, smiling widely, and appearing more than comfortable with his physique. But these posts soon became overshadowed by growing cheating allegations surrounding his relationship with 25-year-old Carpenter.
Rumors began swirling when gossip outlet DeuxMoi shared blind items hinting at Keoghan’s alleged affair with influencer Breckie Hill. According to sources, the gossip indicated Carpenter found out about her boyfriend's communication with Hill and ended their relationship abruptly before her last performances during her concert tour. The momentum of speculation intensified when Hill, who boasts substantial followings on platforms like TikTok, subtly shared content fueling these rumors, pointing fingers at Keoghan.
While fans got embroiled in the gossip, Keoghan and Carpenter appeared to be having quite different experiences post-split. While he went dark on social media, Carpenter embraced her recent Netflix holiday special, A Nonsense Christmas, and continued to shine publicly. She was reportedly enjoying her time performing classic Christmas songs and celebrating her achievements, including her recent success with the album Short n' Sweet, which featured chart-topping hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”
Keoghan, on the other hand, faced mounting criticisms and accusations concerning his character and parenting abilities. He publicly expressed his frustration on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “I can only sit and take so much. My name has been dragged across the internet,” referring to insults not just about his work and portrayal but also his abilities as a father.
“The messages I receive no person should ever have to read. Absolute lies, hatred, disgusting commentary about my appearance, character, how I am as a parent,” Keoghan added, describing some situations where harassment crossed physical boundaries. He mentioned lurkers even approaching family members, saying, “Some went as far as ‘knocking on my granny’s door’ and ‘sitting outside my baby boy’s house.’” His deactivation seems to reflect his desire to shield himself and his family from the negativity and protect his newfound role as a parent.
Before the breakup, Keoghan and Carpenter had been openly supportive of each other’s careers, with their relationship seeming stable. Friends close to them noted they might be struggling to maintain their bond mainly due to their hectic schedules. Sources claimed Carpenter's successful tours and promotions led to them spending less time together, creating Strain rather than strengthening their relationship. “Both of them are young and career-focused,” one insider mentioned, indicating they were at different life stages.
Despite the heartbreak, both stars have demonstrated resilience. While Sabrina Carpenter embraces her career and nurtures her artistic endeavors, Keoghan had projects lined up before the breakup, including recent acclaimed roles and upcoming films. One of his notable roles includes the character Oliver Quick from Saltburn. The film has been positively received, allowing Keoghan to shine as he connects with the audience through the character’s struggles and triumphs.
Carpenter’s star has also been on the rise. Following her participation as the opening act for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour, she achieved commercial success, with her music hitting significant milestones on the charts. With all these career advancements happening, both parties are seemingly focused on moving forward.
Even as the shadows of controversy loom over Keoghan’s head, both he and Carpenter seem to acknowledge the difficulties of their split but remain dedicated to their respective paths. The discussion remains lively, but for now, the actor has taken steps to prioritize his mental well-being and focus on family, leaving questions about rumors and speculation behind.
What's next for Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter remains to be seen, but the support from fans continues to fuel their journeys through the highs and lows of fame and personal relationships. Each of them is determined to carve their path and rise above the fray of public scrutiny.